Expansion and Emergence

"There is a part of you that you have outgrown." ~Lisa Nichols

I came across this quote yesterday while I was cyber-stalking Lisa Nichols in anticipation of our reading one of her books next month for the Emerge Book Circle. It caused me to pause and reflect on all the ways that I have outgrown myself in the past few months.

Although, the confinement this Spring  was very challenging for many reasons, it forced me to reassess my commitments while also reconnecting with my passions. As a result, I let go of certain activities and leadership positions that were no longer serving me, while embracing other activities that more distinctly light me up.

The results in the coming months were almost magical. It was as if the Universe was waiting for me to let go of my fear so that I could fully dive in. There is a saying that "When one door closes, another one opens," yet too often we wait for someone else to close the door on us, rather than closing it ourselves.

If I look back on my life, I can see a pattern in myself of staying when I wanted to go, but refusing to close the door because it would mean I was a quitter, and I was taught that "quitters never win." Instead, I have straddled the divide, unwilling and unable to commit fully to either side. It has happened in relationships. It has happened at work. It has happened for my health as well. 

Most recently, this occurred within the context of my work. As you probably know, I have been coaching for the last 8 years, but about a year ago I decided to step away from coaching, and instead following my passion for personal development and books. Yet, I didn't shut the door. I grasped onto the few remaining clients that I had, while not fully committing to the book circle with all the energy that I had. In addition, I took on some English teaching to cover the gap that my limited coaching had created in my income. As a result, I wasn't spread in 2 ways, but actually in 4. Between my coaching, the growth of the book circle, my English teaching and my role as the President of a women's association, I wasn't focused, and I was doing anything well.  

About a year ago, I read the book The One Thing by Gary Keller where he encourages the readers to pick one thing today, that by doing it, it will make everything else easier and unnecessary. 

I talk extensively in my various book circles about the importance of bring your learning to life, yet I didn't bring this learning to my own life. I let it pass me by.

The result--exhaustion, overwhelm, frustration, dissatisfied clients and circle members, and anxious children. 

Keller also says, "Resting is just as important as working." My 3 week summer vacation gave me that rest, and helped me see all the ways that I have been working from a place of fear and scarcity, rather than from a place of faith and abundance. 

A caterpillar can never emerge into a butterfly, if she is constantly trying to return to her cocoon. I, too, cannot emerge into a more powerful business women, if I am constantly trying to return to my cocoon of teaching and coaching. 

Instead, I will focus on my one thing, and see how well this butterfly fares in the wind. 

Are you willing to leave your cocoon behind along with me?